A message from the Australian Veterinary Behaviour Interest Group
The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting our routines and this affects our pets, in some good and not so good ways. To minimise their being upset by the disruptions, we suggest the following:
- Pets daily lives should be kept as routine as possible.
- Continue their regular walking routine where safe to do so while ensuring social distancing is maintained.
- Dogs can still gain the benefit of physical exercise and mental stimulation without leaving the house or yard through games such as fetch, chasing a toy or hide and seek.
- Pets on behaviour medications, as with any ongoing medication, should continue to be given to them as normal and not be stopped during this time.
- Everyone needs a break from the people they live with at times and this includes pets. If you are home with your pets and children, remember to give your pets a break from the kids if the pet wants it. This may just be a chance to lie in another room or a have a rest outside. Make it a family rule that if the pets are on their bed (or other designated place) they are having a rest and must be left alone.
- If you find working at home difficult with your pet, consider restricting them from the room where you are working. A puzzle toy or device that rewards them with treats or a chewing item such as a suitable bone (as recommended by your veterinarian) may help settle them. While you are working at home, remember to take breaks- your pets are perfect at helping with that!
Download: Living with pets during the COVID-19 pandemic
More Articles
Small Animal
Dogs make faces to make us love them
05 Dec 2017
It is becoming apparent that animals have more control over their facial...
Small Animal
Rats blamed for spread of Leptospirosis...
26 Sep 2019
In recent months there have been a number of confirmed leptospirosis cases in...
Small Animal
Palliative care for pets
16 Jan 2019
Palliative care for pets may still be an emerging field of veterinary medicine...
Small Animal
Aiding dog and cat burns treatment using...
27 Mar 2019
Veterinarian Dr Jamie Peyton from the University of California Davis has...